Unlike France and Germany, Britain surpasses the NATO defense spending target of 2% of its gross domestic product. On Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised significant further increases to defense spending beyond what he had already pledged.

Responding to parliamentary advice, the Conservative Party’s leader announced that Britain will invest $21.8 billion more in defense over the next four years. The government projects the new funds will bring defense spending to at least 2.2% of annual GDP over the relevant period. Britain also appears committed to ensuring that the new funds don’t simply fund existing programs. I expect priority will be given to both specific projects in the United Kingdom, such as its “Tempest” future fighter jet program, and also to joint U.S.-U.K. research projects. Alongside cyber and artificial intelligence research, the particular benefit of these new funds is likely to accrue to the Royal Navy. That’s good news for two reasons.